Analysis of Molecular Genetic, Morphometric and Sexual Characteristics of the Beluga (Huso huso L., 1758) Grown in the Aquaculture of the Republic of Belarus

Abstract

The subject of the study was genetic and phenotypic characteristics of Beluga (Huso huso (Linnaeus, 1758)) grown in the warm and cold-waters aquaculture at the “Selets” fish farm (the Republic of Belarus). Molecular-genetic analysis was performed using STR-markers and species-specific PCR revealed the absence of hybrid individuals in analyzed broodstock of (Huso huso L.). Affiliation of individuals to the Caspian population was established based on the sequence analysis of the 367 bp region of mitochondrial D-loop. Using six STR loci, the population structure was analysed. The population structure and gene pool of the only broodstock of (Huso huso L.) in Belarus was compared with domesticated (H. huso L.) from the Russian Federation. The analysis showed a lack of genetic variation and the heterozygote excess in Beluga from the Belarusian farm. Analysis of morphometric indicators revealed that the conditions in which the Beluga broodstock is kept at the fish farm “Selets” should be improved. Using ultrasound scanning, the following stages of gonad maturity were established: stages II, III and IV in males; II, II semi-fatty, II fatty, III and IV in females. The Beluga broodstock at the fish farm “Selets” is mainly represented by females (the females exceeded the males by 1.6 times in terms of their number).